Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Too big to fail. Think it pertains only to the banking industry? Think again.

With the defense budget representing a very large chunk of the US federal pie, it behooves all investors to better understand this vital area of US government, not to mention the US economy. From his most recent book, "Prophets of War: Lockheed Martin and the Making of the Military-Industrial Complex", key aspects of President Eisenhower's final speech warning is fleshed out by the defense expert with the "New America Foundation". The consequences of actions - economic and geo political - go far beyond the industry itself and cannot be overstated.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

To most investors, including many investment professionals, indexes are constructs designed to track a defined area of the economy, usually via financial assets. Yet, "indexing as an investment concept" is far more prevalent than most realize.

In my interview with the co-author of " The Fundamental Index" and Chairman, Founder of Research Affiliates, we explore such areas as efficient indexing, the market inefficiencies that result from cap weighted indexes, and RAFI, the Research Affiliates Fundamental Index approach to investing. For those interested in understanding an investing methodology that large institutional investors such as PIMCO utilize, this interview will open the door to a fascinating and largely under-appreciated segment of the financial markets.

bio

President and Global Investment Strategist with Blue Marble Research and author of "Sectors and Styles" (Wiley 2006). Vinny is a leading investment strategist and asset manager. He appears regularly in the financial media (Bloomberg TV & Radio, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, foxbusiness.com, BNN TV, New Delhi TV, CCTV - America, Barrons, Reuters) and is a frequent guest speaker at various major investment forums. Vinny also produces and conducts timely topical and educational programs with various CFA Societies and other groups, including the highly acclaimed "Market Forecast Series". Vinny is a past president of the New York Society of Security Analysts, a managing member of Adriatic Capital Partners, and a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. Vinny attended The Juilliard School and New York University and earned his CFA charter in 1986.

Morning Call May 2007

Morning Call April 2007

CNBC "Kudlow & Co". March 2007

Morning Call March 2007

Kudlow & Co. February 2007

McDonald, Catalano, Luskin, and Burnett

Kudlow & Co. February 2007

Laffer, Catalano, and Froehlich

Kudlow & Co. January 2007

Malpass, Abrams, and Catalano

Disclaimer

The information found on this blog and in published reports. was prepared from data we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed by us as being accurate and does not purport to be a complete statement or summary of available data. Such information and any views or opinions expressed herein are not to be considered as an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities of the sectors or styles covered on this blog and in published reports. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. Past results are no indication of future results.

Full disclosure: While neither Vincent Catalano nor any member of his family hold positions listed on this blog and in published reports, accounts managed by Blue Marble Research may hold such positions.

Some of the sectors, styles, regions, and countries mentioned are the recipients of trends and themes that might vary from those noted on this blog and in published reports.

Vincent Catalano certifies that all of the views expressed on this blog and in published reports accurately reflect his personal views regarding any and all of the subject securities or issuers.